Mumbai: A large number of monkeys and birds have died due to the gas leakage from a chemical company near Panvel, stated wildlife activists. The Thane forest department has taken cognisance of the issue and is in the process of carrying out a detailed investigation.

As per the officials, the incident happened at around 9.45pm on Wednesday night when there was a major gas leakage at the company located in Rasayani area of Raigad district.

After there was a massive casualty of wildlife due to the leakage of gas from the Hindustan Organic Chemical Limited, the company had buried the dead bodies of the monkeys and birds in the compound.

“We got to know about the incident on Saturday and have sent our officers on the site. We are investigating the culprits behind it and action will be taken on the matter. Rest for the control of pollution in the company, state pollution control board may intervene,” said Rajendra Kadam, chief conservator of forest, Thane forest department.

As many as 31 monkeys and 14 pigeons were recovered from the site. A post mortem of these dead bodies will be conducted. However, locals have alleged that more than 100 birds have been affected by the pollution.

“When incidents like this happen, it is the responsibility of the company’s administration to alert the wildlife officers or the forest department. However, it seems that there was a deliberate attempt to hide this, by burying the corpses,” said Sunish Subramanian, wildlife activist and wildlife warden of Mumbai city.

Meanwhile the forest officers claimed that the exact reason behind the death of these animals and birds would be known after the post-mortem.